Cape Panwa, This south-westerly facing beach - named after a nearby Muslim village - has managed to remain exactly the same as it has been for years in spite of intensive urbanization in the direct area.

It's still tranquil and a haven for people who like peace and quiet. Khao Khat is eight kilometres east of Phuket Town and covers the west coast of Cape Panwa.

Its sand is rather rough and the water shallow but it's certainly very scenic with views out across Chalong Bay and Lone Island.

Luxury villas and condominiums line almost the entire beach but dotted in between are fishermen's huts and at the far west end of the beach there is a mangrove swamp.